Mike Graham: Central-Vero coaches excited for big game, too

The two teams aren't in the same district, the winner or loser won't be affected when it comes to the playoffs, and it's early enough in the season that both schools can continue on toward more important goals.

So, why all the buzz surrounding Thursday night's Fort Pierce Central (3-0) at Vero Beach (3-0) high school football game?

Well, the answer is simple: these are the two best teams in the area — but South Fork (3-0) isn't far behind.

Both come in undefeated, are ranked in the Top 10 in their class, Vero Beach No. 7 in Class 8A, Fort Pierce Central No. 7 in Class 7A, and have quality playmakers on both side of the ball.

You know the players are looking forward to it, and the two coaches said they are, too.

Central coach Josh Shaffer is in only his second year as a head coach, but his Cobras have won 12 of the first 14 games he has coached. It's obvious the energy surrounding Central's program has ramped up under his influence.

Coach Lenny Jankowski is in his second year at Vero Beach — 13th overall (84-48 record) — and has guided the Fighting Indians to 12 wins in his first 14 games, too. To say he has introduced an exciting brand of football for Fighting Indian fans would be an understatement.

"It is a good test game for both teams," said Shaffer, "and there is alot of history between the two programs."

Said Jankowski, "We get a chance to play against a (former) nationally-ranked team, and we had a great game against them last year."

You can bet that Billy Livings Field at the Citrus Bowl will be packed and Jankowski said additional bleachers are being brought in with a crowd in excess of 8,000 expected.

Shaffer said playing in that type of atmosphere will help his team down the road.

"It is a great environment up there and is a really tough road game ... and we may need that kind of tough road experience when it come to the playoffs," Shaffer said.

Jankowski said, "the thing about playing here, is that it has a big-game feel every Friday night."

When talking about his opponent, Shaffer said his Cobras will be tested both ways.

"On defense, (Vero Beach) does a great job with their pressure and mixing up their blitzes," Shaffer said. "On offense, they can score in bunches."

Jankowski said his defense will have to be ready for the return of Central running back Marcus Levy — out with an ankle injury since Aug. 24 — but also has great respect for the Cobras' defense.

"They are solid in every phase of the game," Jankowski said, "but the thing that really jumps out at me is their team speed on defense. ... That is tough for us to simulate in practice."